Ofer Winter Rejects Political Pressure, Vows to Sit with Netanyahu

Ofer Winter, speaking at a rally for his new political party, "Amcha Israel," urged supporters not to be swayed by external pressures regarding potential mergers. "Don't get agitated by all the pressures," Winter stated, "we are the true union. There are many pressures from politicians who have had their cheese moved a bit. We are bringing the true voice of the people of Israel."

Winter positioned his party firmly within the right-wing bloc, declaring, "We are in the right-wing camp, we are not getting lost on the way, and we do not want to deceive the public. Currently, the head of the right-wing camp is Benjamin Netanyahu, and we will sit with him to realize our vision."

He specifically addressed the issue of the burden of military service, criticizing past proposals. "You cannot give a sweeping exemption to everyone and then suddenly say we have a plan. This is always before an election. It's a recurring ritual." Winter emphasized his non-negotiable condition for joining a future government: "The Haredi public will integrate into the IDF en masse; we will not sit in any government that does not allow this."

Concluding his remarks, Winter alluded to former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, suggesting that Eisenkot was now making demands regarding conscription that had not been heard before. "Unfortunately, those who claim now that they will draft everyone are the same Chiefs of Staff who did not contribute to the matter; the truth must be told."